In Ponto-cho's long history, we have survived wars, the Great Depression, etc. and have protected the Hanamachi culture. I am deeply grateful to the guests and the masters, the teahouses and the geishas at the time who have protected the dignity, the performing arts and the gorgeousness of Ponto-cho despite the tough times.
In order to take over their will we can never lose to COVID-19. So that we can greet guests from home and abroad with smiles and make them smile through our hospitality again, we have to be patient while brushing up on our arts. I know that it's a really difficult time at home and abroad, but I would like to thank you for your support.
Ichikiku (Geisha)
Since ancient times, in order to live better, we have made progress by meeting and talking with each other, thinking and sharing knowledge. This is something only humans can do. I think that that wisdom continues in modern society as European salon culture and Japanese tatami room culture. Currently, the influence of COVID-19 makes our job of using the tatami room difficult but I think this is a good opportunity.
If the COVID-19 storm subsides, I think that the world will change to where only "the real thing" can be understood. As a people we would like to move toward it, refining a rich and beautiful way of life to create a fruitful Ponto-cho. As a step toward that, from the bottom of my heart, I thank everyone in lending their support so that we can become one to make the stage video.
Ichino (Geisha)
It is a pity about the early decision to cancel Kamogawa Odori, which we have practiced and with which we have challenged ourselves, due to COVID-19. After receiving a state of emergency, banquets, etc. were canceled and while we were on break for about 2 months we started making and donated close to 500 masks to Kyoto Prefecture. Even during that time, our thoughts were not far from holding Suimeikai.
However, there was no prospect of returning to normal and we had to cancel Suimeikai. Of course it is impossible to show our art as it is but fate would have it that by crowdfunding, plans for an online Kamogawa Odori is possible, for which I am grateful.
15,000,000 yen is a large target amount but we will devote ourselves to practice as if everyone is coming to Kamogawa Odori and Suimeikai, We would like to thank all of you for your cooperation.
Hisamomo (Geisha)
Due to COVID-19 we have lost the chance to put on Kamogawa Odori, Suimeikai and show our art. In addition, the number of tatami rooms has decreased, and I am unable to stir up feelings for the performing arts, questioning myself every day.
I don't know what will happen from now on but taking on the will of those who have supported Ponto-cho until now, I want to make an effort to keep the lights of Hanamachi going. From that thought, I would like to bring back dance gatherings and tatami rooms in any form, the original Ponto-cho in any form.
Taka (Geisha)
After moving out from where I both worked and lived since coming to Kyoto about eight years ago, it was June of this year that I decided to start a new life of living alone. Thanks to all the help of those around me, I managed to lead a stable lifestyle even during the pandemic.
Currently, stages are being canceled one after the other and I am becoming more and more disappointed but I have that much opportunity to think, "is there anything new that can be done?" or "is there anything that I can do to help?".
Taking advantage of this big change for the better and having everyone feel the fun of Ponto-cho and the splendor of art again, with new feeling I will continue to devote myself to the performing arts as a geisha in Ponto-cho.
Ichiyu (Maiko)
It has been about five years since I have performed as a maiko and at the end of May, I was scheduled to become a geisha. However, COVID-19 hasn't ended, Kamogawa Odori was canceled and becoming a geisha has been postponed. The number of tatami rooms has decreased and we practice daily with anxiety.
Meanwhile, it was decided to allow me to become a geisha in October and although it's still a difficult world, I would like to continue to strive to improve my art and become a good geisha. And I wish for the end of COVID-19 as soon as possible.
一般社団法人計算機と自然（代表：落合陽一）
関蝉丸神社
国立劇場養成所（日本芸術文化振興会）
ピースウィンズ・ジャパン
東京国立博物館
風テラス
